Stags set for long haul to Exeter

Mansfield Town are bracing themselves for a long haul down to Exeter City tomorrow to prepare for Saturday’s tough clash as the Stags try to build on their two decent displays this week.

A 2-1 win at Cheltenham on Sunday was followed by a 0-0 home draw in terrible conditions with title-chasing Burton Albion yesterday, a day on which Exeter’s home game with Wycombe fell foul of the rain.

“It will be difficult going down there, said Stags’ first team coach Micky Moore.

“Exeter haven’t played today so they will have had a week to rest their players and get them right.

“We have got to try to get our players fresh and ready for a gruelling journey down there.

“They are another team not far off the play-offs so it will be another difficult game.

“I hope this is the start of a run we can build on.”

Stags can now delve into the transfer market with the window open and Moore added: “We have players on a list that we’d like to get in to help this group.

“Whether Saturday is too soon for that we will have to see what the next 24 hours brings.”

Stags will be checking on the fitness of defender Martin Riley, who suffered a groin injury against Burton.

Whether Riley plays or not, it is almost certain the impressive Ryan Tafazolli (pictured) will keep his place in defence at Exeter after a man of the match display against Burton.

“It could have gone to anyone as I thought everyone put in a great performance,” he said modestly.

“We showed resolve against a good side.

“They did have a few chances, but we held our own and the saw the game out.

“Joint top, they are a very good side with two very good strikers that we dealt with well.

“We knew they were going to be solid at the back and hope they could nick a goal and defend for 90 minutes. But they didn’t break us down today which is a positive for us.

“It was very windy out there and a wet, heavy pitch, But you have to deal with that sort of thing. You can’t change the weather, you just have to adjust to it.

“Now we have to prepare right for a long journey. I can only take it one game at a time and hope on Saturday I play well and try to cement my place and get a few games under my belt.”